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This sparsely-worded invite to an HTC/Verizon event brings more questions than answers

Amid a pre-holiday frenzy of press functions and device releases, there's yet another event slated for the season. This week, HTC and Verizon began sending out invitations for a joint event in New York City November 13.

And while many other events have had a healthy enough rumor mill to prematurely supply answers to the inevitable questions, the HTC/Verizon to-do doesn't.

The main speculation surrounds a possible unveiling of the new HTC-made Droid DNA handset. The Verizon-bound smartphone's existence has already leaked in pricing lists, and the assumption is that the two companies will be using their November 13 event to launch the device.

A Minimum Advertised Pricing list obtained by AndroidCentral may confirm the existence of HTC's Droid DNA

But that in itself has only raised more questions. The event invite hints at "our latest collaboration." Does that phrase refer to the Android-powered Droid DNA? if so, will the HTC smartphone be a Verizon exclusive?

Or, as Engadget has speculated:

"What if this is just a coming-out party for HTC's 8X Windows Phone flagship? It's not a far-fetched idea: we already know it's coming to Verizon, but the exact pricing and on-sale date have yet to be revealed. Then again, the 8X has already been shown off at a press event or two, and we're not sure a Verizon-branded variant would merit such a high-profile news conference."

Still, with just a sparsely-worded invitation to go on, there's not much we can say for certain at the moment. It looks as though we'll have to just sit tight and wait for all to be revealed next week.

That is, unless we catch a break and the whole thing leaks. One can always dream...

Traveling by car has been an American institution practically forever, a rite of passage that every young person has to go through. Good tunes, a road map, and all the time in the world – that much hasn't changed.

But what has changed is that nowadays, we've got our music, maps and more all in the same place. Let's face it, smartphones are now a part of that tradition of hitting the open road and looking for adventure.

And Pure Mobile is rounding up the must-have mobile accessories that'll make your road trip that much easier – nevermind safer – with some of our favorite essentials for long car rides.

1: Car Chargers

Moshi Revolt Car Charger for iPhone, iPad and iPod

No matter what, every road tripper with a smartphone needs a car charger. Even if you're resting between stops, we wouldn't count on waiting for the hotel or motel to charge your device.

In fact, once you get to a rest stop, a dead phone battery isn't such a big deal anyway. It's losing power when you're on the road that's an issue, especially if you get lost.

And if you're traveling with buddies, a universal phone charger, like Dexim's Twin USB Car Charger, will let you charge any kind of phone, from BlackBerry to Android to iPhone. It's even got two ports, so you can charge two devices at the same time.

2. Car Holder/Mount

Griffin In-Car Window Mount for Smartphone or MP3 Player

Back in the day, your dad had your mom to distractingly flap a road map in his face. Nowadays, you have a passenger who waves around their smartphone with a maps app on, or you fumble between the wheel and your own device.

On a long trip, this kind of amateur setup just doesn't cut it, and a simple car window mount or smartphone holder will easily fix all that.

Lots of holders, like Griffin's In-car Window Mount, will work with almost every phone model and even with MP3 players. Do your so-pilot – and yourself – a favor and get one.

3. Bluetooth Car Kit

One quick way to ruin a road trip? Get pulled over for using your phone while driving.

Seriously, if you haven't got a BlueTooth car kit by now, don't you think it's about time? Plantronics and Novero both offer convenient models that'll let you navigate, talk, and listen to music hands-free.

Considering that half the fun of going somewhere by car is the time you spend getting there, you don't really want to waste the trip fumbling with your phone when you could be rolling down the windows and taking in the sights.

The search results aren't likely to be an error, says AppleInsider, citing as evidence a report from September that "showed an Online Apple Store iPhone comparison page that revealed the prices of unlocked versions bound for the U.S. and Canada."

Those prices, writes AppleInsider, are "in line" with those found on Apple's website. And though similar prices for unlocked iPhone 5s was already available from certain carriers, the news here is "that Apple could soon be joining those ranks for such off-contract sales," writes Mashable.

As for when we can expect unlocked versions of the iPhone 5 to be available directly through Apple, Mashable and AppleInsider alike cite a theory that says they're likely to be up for grabs once the supply of iPhone 5s starts to catch up with the demand.

There's no telling how a Microsoft-made smartphone would affect the company's dealings with hardware partners

Right on the tails of a major week for Microsoft's Windows Phone 8, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Microsoft may be developing a smartphone of its own to go with its new OS.

The November 2 article, which cites "officials at some of Microsoft's parts suppliers, who declined to be named," says the company is running tests in Asia on their own smartphone, a device measuring between 4 and 5 inches.

However, the article's sources say the company is still undecided as to whether the device in question will ever go into mass production. And, when asked about the phone by the WSJ last week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer declined to comment.

Still, the possibility is intriguing. Should Microsoft come out with their own handset to accompany Windows Phone 8, it's anybody's guess how that would affect its partnership with hardware partners, like Samsung, HTC, and Nokia. After all, Apple certainly doesn't let competitors use its smartphone OS.

And, if Microsoft really is planning to launch its own mobile device, it would be a complete 180 for them, after years of developing the software and leaving the design up to others.

Even so, as Gizmodo points out, a Microsoft-made smartphone could be a thing of beauty:

"Microsoft’s eye for design is keener than ever, and while WinPho is great, it’s yet to make the impressions it could. Or even should. A Microsoft phone could change that."

But don't get carried away. Quoting an older article on its own site, Gizmodo cautioned:

"Even if these reports turn out to be totally accurate — and that’s far from certain — this does not mean that Microsoft is close to actually making a phone you can buy. It doesn’t even mean it ever will. Just that it’s developing the hardware, and testing it. That’s it."

Image from Samsung's save the date for the October 24 kick-off to their Galaxy Note II world tour

Wait Samsung, don't tell us. You may have revealed the last "next big thing" back in October, but is the "next next big thing" a larger Galaxy Note device? According to the rumor mill of late, the answer is yes.

Within the same week that Samsung boasted of selling 3 million Galaxy Note II devices, a new DLNA certification (first reported on by SamMobile) shows that the company may already have some successors in the works.

The certification lists two new Samsung-made devices – GT-N5100 and the GT-N5110 – that SamMobile says are sized between 7 and 9 inches. And if you're in doubt as to the fact that the devices listed will in fact be Galaxy Note variants, AndroidGuy points out that the certifications for all “previous Note products start with GT-N.”

If there's any truth to SamMobile's report, it may be that Samsung is looking to fill the gap between their 5.5-inch and 10.1-inch Note models.

As, for why Samsung would want to release a 7-inch Galaxy Note when they've already got the 7.7-inch Galaxy Tab, it may just be that the company sees the Note line, with its stylus pens, as distinct from the rest of their mobile devices.

"Samsung clearly sees this market as separate from its mainstream phone line," writes Mobile Syrup, "and the two won’t necessarily cannibalize sales from either one."

We're making Fridays even more fun at the Pure Mobile blog, with a new weekly feature we're calling 'Thank Gadget It's Friday,' or TGIF for short.

What better way to wrap up the week than with our favorite gadgets? And in this feature, we'll be bringing you our top picks in mobile accessories, from the coolest smartphone cases to the best phone docks and speakers.

Definitely a toy for grown ups, the Dexim RC Truck uses Apple devices, like iPhone, iPad and iPod in lieu of a traditional controller. All you need is the free app that's provided when you purchase the truck.

But that's not the only difference between this suped-up mobile accessory and a regular remote controlled car. Dexim's monster truck can be controlled by either traditional touch sensor or "gravity sensor," which lets you control the vehicle by tilting your device in different ways.

The truck also has multiplayer mode for racing with friends, and comes with three preset stations that let you "automatically ZigZag, Spin, or Dance your vehicle to music."

As far as mobile accessories go, the Dexim RC Truck may not top the list of most needed, but it's certainly among the most exciting, and would certainly make a great gift for the techie in your life. Though we can think of more than a few people who'd simply want one for themselves.

An update to Apple’s iOS 6.0 is now available for download from iTunes or over your wireless connection. Apple’s iOS 6.0.1 fixes some of the bugs that have already appeared and also provides the iPhone 5 with wireless update capability.

To download the new OS version wirelessly, go to the “Settings” menu and bring up “Software Update,” If you’re updating your iPhone 5, you’ll be asked to first download an updater for iPhone 5. This enables the wireless updates to be installed.

For older iPhone models, the iPod Touch and iPads with iOS 6 already installed, you can get the 6.0.1 update at “Settings”, “General”, “Software Update.”

Your phone’s “Learn More” gives you a screen with the information below that tells you what bugs have been fixed:

“This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Fixes a bug that prevents iPhone 5 from installing software updates wirelessly over the air
• Fixes a bug where horizontal lines may be displayed across the keyboard
• Fixes an issue that could cause camera flash to not go off
• Improves reliability of iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5th generation) when connected to encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi networks
• Resolves an issue that prevents iPhone from using the cellular network in some instances
• Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match
• Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from lock screen
• Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings”

If you’re ready to start the download, you click on a quick user agreement confirmation, and the update begins. Your phone will give you instructions for the rest.

One of the bugs that the update is supposed to fix is the one that causes static and horizontal lines on the screen when you’re downloading a new app. So, if you thought you’d caused the problem because your new iPhone 5 has already hit the concrete a couple of times, the update will offer some comfort. Add a little insurance for future whoopsies and improve you device’s bounce factor with a good case.

Verizon announced this week that, for the first time in three years, they'll be carrying a Nokia smartphone.

The Nokia Lumia 822, a version of the Lumia 820 customized for Verizon, will start rolling out to Verizon subscribers this November, a press release announced. Though no release date has been publicized, a source told Engadget that it may be available by November 8, while BGR thinks it'll be out on November 12.

With the announcement no doubt timed to coincide with all of Microsoft's recent events, the smartphone runs on WIndows Phone 8, and is available exlusively through Verizon.

So how, exactly does the Lumia 820 stack up against other Lumia devices? Well, for one, it's curvier, and its camera pod and flash placement has the same lengthwise setup as the Lumia 920 and 810, "instead of the transverse layout found on the Lumia 820," writes Engadget.

As for specs, the Lumia 822 packs a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, has 8 GB of internal storage, and 1 GB of RAM, though you can get models with up to 64 GB.

Its 4.3" screen has a resolution of 800 x 400, and it's got an 8 megapixel camera as well as a 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera, and an exchangeable shell for wireless charging.

It body seems pretty sturdy, which is no surprise for a Nokia phone, though some have called it a little thick. Still, says one TechCrunch reviewer, "If anything, the version I played with was even thicker than normal because someone had swapped the stock backplate with the wireless charging plate, but the end result was a device that was still very comfortable to hold."

Available in white, black or grey, one of these bad boys will run fairly cheap – about $100 on a 2-year contract with Verizon.

U.S. wireless carriers and the Federal Communications Commission have joined together to create a national database that locks stolen cellphones out of carrier networks.

Smartphones and other mobile devices are so easy to snatch. They’re small and portable. They’re worth a lot of money. They’re easy to pirate with just a swap of a SIM card. The FCC's database of stolen phones is designed to limit theft to the plastic and electronics and not the information contained inside.

The database works by blocking a stolen cellphone’s IMEI number, making it impossible to get service for that phone. AT&T and T-Mobile have teamed up, and their joint database is online now. Verizon and Sprint are supposed to have their joint effort up and running soon. In the next year, the four major carriers are planning to merge their databases. Smaller carriers will join in along the way.

Eventually the FCC and the U.S. carriers will expand the database to cell providers all over the world. “The goal is to not only protect the consumer by cancelling the service, but by ultimately protecting the consumer by drying up the aftermarket for stolen phones,” said CTIA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Guttman-McCabe.

While we can’t stop ourselves from leaving our phones in the coffee shop or having it picked out our pocket, there are things we can do to protect our privacy. Use PINs or passwords, and make sure you know how to use your phone’s remote-wiping capabilities. It might seem like closing the barn door after the horse has left, but at least a thief has only stolen your high-buck smartphone and not your identity.

Microsoft put the finishing touches on a massive month this week, with the global launch of Windows Phone 8 Monday, and the Build developer conference Tuesday.

The company already launched their extra-sized Surface Tablet earlier this month, as well as holding their Windows 8 event.

But what most of us were really waiting for was windows Phone 8, and now it's here. Touted by the event's speakers as "the most personal smartphone operating system you can get," Microsoft began by highlighting the growing number of apps for Windows Phone, 120,000 and counting.

However, speakers stressed that people, not apps, are the focus of the revamped OS, and called out Apple and Android for not doing enough to really change smartphones since they arrived on the scene.

As such, Microsoft is banking a lot on one of Windows Phone 8's main features, "live apps." Live apps move like live tiles and update themselves, so that your phone becomes like your fingerprint, says Microsoft.

"For example, the Facebook app updates the lock screen with your personal photos," explains WebProNews. "A number of app developers including Twitter, Zynga and Rovio are updating their apps to take advantage of live apps."

That brings us to what TechCrunch says the "future of the Windows 8 platform," hinges on – the developers.

Because the OS – nevermind the idea of live tiles – is so new, Microsoft's going to have to lure developers to it for it to really take off. At the moment, says TechCrunch, the number of new Windows 8 apps is "underwhelming," and that may explain the somewhat middling reviews Microsoft's Surface Tablet has received:

"Most of the reviewers cited the lack of apps – and not the hardware itself – as one of the reasons they didn’t enjoy the experience."

But as he took the stage to kick off the Build developer conference, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer already had some positive news about the new OS' reception, saying that there have already been 4 million Windows 8 upgrades in just the few days since its launch. Hopefully some of those interested parties are developers.

But as for regular users who want to get in on the new OS, Windows Phone 8 will be globally available by November across a number of devices, including the Nokia Lumia, and HTC and Samsung smartphones.